ID :
489629
Mon, 04/23/2018 - 20:10
Auther :

Al Sulaiti: Hosting IATA Ground Handling Conference in Doha Reflects Confidence in Qatar and its Official Carrier

Doha, April 23 (QNA) - HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti said that hosting the 31st Annual IATA Ground Handling Conference in Doha, the first of its kind to take place in the Middle East, is a demonstration of confidence in both Qatar Airways and the State of Qatar. "We look forward to a successful gathering, and welcome all in attendance to the State of Qatar," His Excellency said, adding the conference drew more than 700 international delegates and guests from more than a dozen nations globally. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said the carrier, which is preparing to announce its financial results in June, remains strong despite the siege imposed on the State of Qatar. It continues to expand and invest in new markets, adds new aircraft to its growing fleet, and employs more workers. He announced that its ground handling subsidiary, Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) will begin international expansion in 2018. Expanding QAS's operations internationally will enhance Qatar Airways' rapid growth pans, as well as provide other airlines and airports access to QASs capabilities and the profit and performance improvements that it deliver to its customers. "It is significant that our plans for international expansion were announced at the IGHC, since we have a long-term relationship with IATA. The QAS management team holds key positions on the IATA technical working groups, proposing and implementing developments that improve standards across the aviation industry. By being the best in a high-tech, high-traffic, and high-growth environment, we provide innovative solutions for our customers that they dont have access to through other ground handling agents." Bader Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport, said the airport has reached a global level and has become one of the top 5 airports in the world, pointing out the airport's current challenge is to maintain its achievements at the level of services and trust of travelers. Al Meer said that the airport management follows two ways to develop it, one of which is the short-term solutions and is based on the provision of new technology to facilitate the movement of passengers and provide a unique experience at the airport. Reaching a new phase when the number of passengers increased there is a need to expand the facility and this is what we call long-term solutions, and when we need to expand the airport, he said. (QNA)

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